Intel Unveils Update to MacBook Air's Custom Processor - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Intel Unveils Update to MacBook Air's Custom Processor

ArsTechnica reports that hidden amongst all the announcements at the Intel Developer Forum was a brief mention that Intel had introduced "the company's second-generation dual-core mobile processors for increasingly popular ultra thin and light notebook PCs."

These new processors represent the Penryn update to the custom processor that is used in the MacBook Air.

Both the SL9400 (1.8GHz) and the SL9300 (1.6GHz) use a 1066MHz FSB and carry 6MB of L2 cache. Intel is also introducing a pair of 10W processors: the SU9400 (1.4GHz) and SU9300 (1.2GHz). Both of these chips run on an 800MHz FSB and carry 3MB of L2 cache.

These new processors will be available to all manufacturers and not just Apple. Readers may recall that the original MacBook Air processor was a custom configuration designed for Apple by Intel.

The new processors are expected to be available in September. Apple has been recently rumored to be prepping a MacBook Air update which could use these new processors.

Related Roundup: MacBook Air
Buyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Neutral)
Related Forum: MacBook Air

Popular Stories

macbook air blue

M6 MacBook Air: Release Date, Pricing, and What to Expect

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:11 am PDT by
Apple refreshed the MacBook Air with the M5 chip in March 2026, but attention is already turning to what comes next. While the next-generation model isn't expected to arrive until next year, early rumors suggest it could mark the beginning of a more ambitious phase in Apple's chip roadmap. From potential advances in processor technology to the prospect of higher prices, here's what the...
apple price hike

Apple Just Increased Prices on MacBooks, iPads, and More

Thursday June 25, 2026 5:44 am PDT by
Apple today dramatically increased device prices across multiple product lines. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. After temporarily taking it down earlier today, Apple's online store is back up with a series of product price increases. The changes are as follows: HomePod mini: $129, up from $99 (+$30) HomePod: $349, up from $299 (+$50) Apple TV: $199, up from...
2026 Macs and Studio Display 2 Feature

Apple Adds More 2026 Macs and Studio Display 2 to Refurbished Store

Friday June 26, 2026 7:12 am PDT by
Earlier today, we reported that Apple added the MacBook Neo to the refurbished store on its website, and it turns out the new additions go beyond that. The other products added to Apple's refurbished store in the U.S. and Canada for the first time today include the MacBook Air with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and the second-generation Studio Display (2026)....